EU calls for tougher measures to achieve a ‘tobacco free generation’

The European Commission presented today (17 September) its long-awaited proposal to achieve smoke- and aerosol-free environments, replacing the current recommendations, in place since 2009.   

The proposal, aimed at tackling the risks posed by aerosols and tobacco, broadens the scope of the previous rules and introduces smoking bans to outdoor areas, including innovative products that don’t contain nicotine, as confirmed by a draft leaked document seen by Euronews.  

“Many cancers and other diseases can be prevented entirely through simple changes to our lifestyles and environments,” said Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides in a written comment, adding that a major aspect of prevention lies in tackling the primary risk factors. 

“When it comes to risk factors for cancer and many other diseases, such as heart, stroke and lung diseases, tobacco comes top of the list.”  

According to the proposal, by reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols, the revised Recommendation is expected to have positive impacts on health, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the consumption and exposure of smoking tobacco and emerging products.   

The Commission seeks to clear public spaces of all aerosols, not just cigarette smoke, reflecting growing concerns over the health risks posed by new tobacco products such as vapes.   

This also includes products that may not contain nicotine such as electronic cigarettes which may still contain various flavours that can encourage the marketing towards young people and children.   

To strengthen the protection from exposure to second-hand smoke and to “encourage current smokers to quit”, the proposal extends smoking bans to various outdoor venues, which have been regulated on a case-by-case basis by individual member states.     

Under the new guidelines, outdoor or semi-outdoor areas—defined as partially covered or enclosed spaces like rooftops, balconies, porches, and patios—associated with service establishments such as restaurants, bars, and cafes should be made smoke-free.    

Public transport hubs, including bus stops and airports, would also be covered, and smoking would be banned in outdoor areas associated with workplaces, hospitals and care homes.    

Recreational areas where children are present, including public playgrounds, amusement parks, swimming pools, and zoos, are also included, as are educational premises from pre-school childcare to university.  

“There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke,” added Kyriakides.   

The revised guidelines are part of the Commission’s larger Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to achieve a “tobacco-free generation” by 2040, to cut tobacco use by 30% by 2025, and to see the share of the EU population smoking cut to just 5%.      

The guidelines aren’t legally binding but provide a framework for member states to follow as part of wider efforts to curb tobacco-related cancer. The Commission claims the first few years of implementation in 2009-2012 already saw a drop in exposure.

Additional sources • Gerardo Fortuna